Grand Canyon Tours From Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon is not to be missed, and one of the easiest ways to visit is on a day trip from nearby Las Vegas. Trade in slot machines for tall rock walls, and head out of Sin City by road or air (see below for your options). The Grand Canyon is vast; there are three different rims you can go to–the South Rim (National Park), the West Rim (Grand Canyon Skywalk), and the North Rim. Each are easily accessible from Las Vegas.

Road Tours

When traveling by road, there are a number of ways to arrive in style. Generally, group day tours head to the Grand Canyon by coach, but it’s also possible to travel in an SUV or van. Tours by road often include stops at the Hoover Dam and allow for about three to four hours at the Grand Canyon. Be prepared for a long day—the South Rim is about 285 miles (458 km) east of Las Vegas and the West Rim is about 126 miles (203 km) east of Las Vegas.  

Air Tours

For quicker transit and a bird’s-eye view, a plane or helicopter ride to Grand Canyon’s West Rim is your best bet. You can fly from Las Vegas inside a helicopter, tour the canyon from above, and be back in the city in just 1.5-hours. Otherwise, hop on a scenic flight that passes over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Mojave Desert, and even add a boat ride down the Colorado River for an action-packed day. Other air tours include a stop at the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass walkway 4,000 feet (1219 meters) above the canyon floor, and yet another that lands 3,000 feet (914 meters) below canyon walls, overlooking the Colorado River for a 30-minute picnic.

Things to Know

Driving to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim from Las Vegas typically takes just over 4-hours each way, so keep in mind that road tours make for a full day out. The West Rim is about a 2-hour drive. Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Vegas. Be sure to dress for the heat and bring sun protection. Both Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon are in desert climates that can get quite hot. Full-day tours often include lunch and snacks.